The Cuban archipelago, a tourist destination par excellence in the Caribbean region, offers unique tourist options based on the island's rich nature, culture and traditions.

Dozens of kilometers of excellent beaches of fine sand and crystal-clear water are complemented by well-preserved exuberant nature and are available for vacationers interested in trekking and ecotourism, in addition to an infrastructure aimed at protecting the historic and cultural wealth.

Architectural elements and customs are complemented to meet the demands from thousands of foreign tourists who visit the country every year.

Old Havana, which was declared Humankind's Heritage Site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), holds more than 100 buildings from the 16th and 17th centuries, and about 200 houses from the 18th century.

Cuba's second largest historic site is in the eastern city of Camagüey, formerly known as Santa María del Puerto del Príncipe and also called the city of "tinajones", due to the abundance of those large earthenware jars which were used to collect rainwater.

According to statistics, 48 percent of Cuba's historic sites are located in eastern Granma province, including the provincial capital, Bayamo, which was declared a National Monument and was capital of the Republic in Arms during the first war of independence in 1868.

For its part, Santiago de Cuba treasures more than 480 years of history. Its defensive system is considered the largest exponent of European Renaissance military engineering in the Caribbean region. It consists of the castles of San Pedro de la Roca and La Estrella, and La Socapa battery.

Cuba also promotes tourist programs that combine leisure with medical treatments, including thalassotherapy.

The fusion of races and customs, a process that began more than five centuries ago, resulted in Cuban culture, which combines African, aboriginal, Chinese, French and, of course, Spanish elements.

Cities characterized by well-preserved Spanish colonial architecture, hotels linked to plastic arts, patrimonial sites and a series of celebrations and festivals are some of Cuba's tourist offers.

In addition to Cuban cuisine, cafeterias and restaurants throughout the country serve dishes from Europe (Spanish, French and Italian cuisine), as well as Asia and the Middle East (Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Arab and Indian cuisine), just to mention some of them.